By Rory McGlasson When Ayanna Thomas was asked by the Mothers In Charge group if she would greet customers at Applebeeâ€™s for its second breakfast â€œFlapjackâ€ fundraiser in Northeast Philadelphia, the Point Breeze native didnâ€™t understand why she was needed. She volunteered, though. It wasnâ€™t until 37-year-old Thomas was asked to collect the proceeds at […]

Philadelphia has a Cambodian population of about 10,000. Itâ€™s small by comparison to Cambodian enclaves in other cities, but unique in one way:â€ˆAmong its leadership are some working hard to draw attention to the fact their homeland remains a country ruled by a despot who has ruled for 30 years, Premier Hun Sen. United under […]

March 1, 2012Comments Off on POLS ON THE STREET: Murphy Gets A Rack Of City Law Endorsements

BY JOE SHAHEELI/ The Attorney Generalâ€™s seat has eluded Democrats in Pennsylvania since it was legislated into an independent body by law in the â€™80s. One wonders if it is a jinx, or just the way the voters see it as a balance-of-power proposition. Â But since the state is now in the hands of a […]

March 1, 2012Comments Off on City Owes Its Top Employees’ Union Big Time

Philadelphians could be living in a hell hole if it werenâ€™t for the patience of Herman J. â€œPeteâ€ Matthews, Jr., who understands the recession times and the financial doom and gloom through which this city is going. If he were to blow the whistle and order his men out on strike, all hell would literally […]

Congressman Robert A. Brady (D-Phila.) this week marked the successful culmination of bringing Chester a Philabundance community fresh-food center. The $4.5 million project will be modeled as a nonprofit grocery store that will be housed in a 21,000-square-foot building. The community food center is an innovative approach to improving food access and equality, while alleviating […]

March 1, 2012Comments Off on CITY HALL SAM: In Again, Out Again At Finnigan’s

CONGRESSMAN BOB BRADY organized a roast for former CITY COMMISSIONER MARGE TARTAGLIONE. Many of the Democratic stalwarts showed up. JUDGE EUGENE MAIER was recruited as one of the roasters. He played a significant part in Margeâ€™s earlier ascension under MAYOR FRANK RIZZO. Judge Maier was the closest advisor to former City Democratic Leader PETE CAMIEL, […]